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Powered by hot keys and keywords, Executor is a program launcher customizable to an impressive degree. A skinnable bar appears at the top of your screen that makes up the most trafficked aspect of the program, with an extensive and organized list of settings available from the Windows Taskbar. As soon as you type in the first few characters of the program that you're looking for into the main UI, a list of potential choices appears. The more you type, the shorter the list becomes, or you can scroll down to click the item you want.
The important thing to pay attention to in Executor is that hard-drive indexing, a key component of this kind of program, is optional. Opt out when you install the program, and all it'll be good for is firing up applications. You can always set it to index either specific folders or your entire hard drive later, but this optional indexing can be confusing as well as useful.
Much in Executor gets done with keywords. Users can choose to drag an object onto the bar to create a keyword for said file, folder, or favorite, or manually create one in the Settings menu. For example, Executor automatically opens up the native Windows Add/Remove Programs menu when you type addremove. From such superficial aspects such as the skins to how the auto-complete function behaves, Executor's customization is king. You can set it to override the Windows Run hot key, you can swap hot keys around, and you can set URLs, files, or programs to launch as Executor starts. Power users who are looking to accomplish specific program-launching tasks within a launching framework will get the most out of this app.
Similar to Launchy, Executor is a program launcher powered by hot keys that nonetheless offers a different program-starting experience.
Several of the many skins available for Executor.
(Credit: Executor)The interface should be familiar to Launchy fans. A skinnable bar appears at the top of your screen, and as soon as you type in the first few characters of the program that you're looking for, a list of potential choices appears. The more you type, the shorter the list becomes. Users can also scroll down the list to click on the item they want.
From there, Executor begins to differentiate itself. The customization options that you can choose from give the little app a lot of heft. Users can choose to drag an object onto the bar to create a keyword for said file, folder, or favorite. This is an interesting workaround for the less-than-compelling search feature, which works great with programs but had trouble indexing all my files.
Another built-in alternative takes advantage of the native Windows searching system, for both XP and Vista users. Users should be able to type "find [text]" and Executor will search your hard drive. In principle, even with the keyword this depends on you going into the Settings menu and configuring the indexing system to index your entire hard drive.
However, the keyword feature works great. Change that ''find'' to ''addremove'' and type in the name of the program, and Executor automatically opens up the Windows native Add/Remove Programs options from the Control Panel.
It feels like everything else in Executor can be customized, from such superficial aspects such as the skins to how the auto-completion function behaves. You can set it to override the Windows Run hot key, you can swap hot keys around, and you can set URLs, files, or programs to launch alongside Executor.
Executor should appeal to power users who are looking to accomplish specific program-launching tasks within a framework that offers a lot of leeway for customization.
Launchy
(Credit: CNET Networks)If you're familiar with Windows application launchers (aside from the "Run" button), you probably already know about Launchy, a simple utility that finds and runs/opens programs, file, music, Web searches, and bookmarks. Launchy has earned a big fan base because of its simplicity and efficiency. However, two new free launchers have their sights set on Launchy's user base.
Executor is slick and endlessly keywordable.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Yesterday, the tech site Lifehacker featured Executor, a free release from Martin Bressman that expands upon Launchy's run functionality. Executor has a slick interface and is a no-brainer for keyboard maniacs. All of your favorite software, movies, and music can be started with easily customizable keywords.
FARR looks simple, but works quickly.
(Credit: CNET Networks)Another popular program on the rise is the Find and Run Robot (or FARR) from DonationCoder.com. Although FARR is styled more like a search tool than a launcher, once you find what you're looking for, FARR lets you start applications, send e-mail, and perform quick Web searches. It uses adaptive caching to learn which programs and files you use most, and it's also been extended with free add-ons for services like Google Maps and compatibility with alternative browsers like Opera.
Do you use a launching application, or is the good old Windows Start button and Run functionality good enough? Tell me about it in the comments.
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